India is the second largest two-wheeler market in the world.
The Economic Times reports that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is working on a plan to make ABS (Anti-lock braking system) compulsory for two-wheelers in a bid to reduce the number of accidents on the road, and to increase their stability under braking.
In the immediate future, the government plans to implement ABS for big displacement two wheelers, and gradually phase it on mass-market commuter motorcycles once the technology achieves a certain level of popularity and scale.
According to industry experts, two-wheelers account for the highest share of accidents on roads, especially so during the monsoon season when they're prone to skidding on slippery surfaces. India is currently the second largest market for two-wheelers (bikes and scooters) after China, and over 17 million such vehicles were made last year.
A senior government official told the publication that like emissions norms which are based on EU, a roadmap for safety of all vehicles is also being developed. The aim would be to have Indian safety standards comparable to those in developed countries.
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The most affordable ABS-equipped two-wheeler in India is the TVS Apache RTR 180, which is priced at INR 82,900 (ex-showroom).
[Source - Economic Times]
